Category Archives: SMART Goals

Success can mean different things to everyone. For example, if you completed the tasks you set out for your day, then that most likely means a success to you. So what makes a project successful? Is a project successful by answering yes to any of the below questions?

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As project managers, we often find ourselves buried in several tactical activities in our day-to-day job, so we spend less time on strategic planning. So, how can you overcome this? Can you do both activities? To begin, let’s define the difference between tactical and strategic.

Day-to-Day Activities that will move the company forward to achieve the strategic plan

Planning Focus Mainly: 1-18 Months

Example:

Are the projects on time, on budget and going well?

Do the project team members know what they should be doing?

STRATEGIC:

Long-term goals & objects

Big picture thinking

Macro-oriented

Part of your company’s Mission

Focus on the Who, What, and Why

Planning Focus Mainly: 3-5 Year

Example:

Where the company wants to go and what it needs to achieve the goal

Improve ROI, increase shareholder value, gain market share

Are we working on the right projects to meet our business needs?

Are we investing in the right areas to meet our strategic goals?

In thinking of all of the tactical activities in which you engage in as a project manager, such as documenting details, answering questions, describing functionality, responding to feedback, etc., ask yourself:

How much time is your time taken up by tactical activities?

It is because you are the only person in the company who knows how to answer these questions?

Everyone else is busy and you are the only one that has free time?

Only you can do these important tasks?

How much time do you spend thinking on a strategic context?

Project managers whom think only on tactical tasks are focused on increasing the performance of projects, but what is good performance without a strategic purpose? It is important to think strategically to see how your projects align with the big picture/purpose, goals, and value of the organization, as it can change the requirements and the way your implement the project. In order to become a successful project manager, you have to be “stractical,” which means you think strategically, while you execute projects tactically.

Most project managers engage in these tactical activities because they have done those tasks in the past. Can you think of some tactical tasks in which you could delegate to others, so you can spend more time thinking strategically? Can you be proficient at both tactical and strategic proficiently? What tips can you share on how to find the best balance between being tactical and strategic? Please comment below, as I would love to hear your thoughts!

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Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timed, know as SMART Goals, are utilized by project managers as a way to measure project phases and the outcomes of the project, as many projects fail due to a lack of focus on the right things.

As a project manager, each project goes through a general leadership process of:

Defining goals for each task

Delegate each task to a task owner

Control work on the task

Coach the task owner

Evaluate the results

Of course, project managers are unable to complete each task necessary on a project ourselves, so we have many team members help us to complete all of the work necessary to complete the project. Therefore, it is important that each task listed in our work breakdown structure (WBS) has a SMART goals assigned to each, so it is communicated in a clear fashion to project team members so the goals of the project are meet; thus why SMART goals are so important to projects. Below are some helpful times to devise your goals in the most effective, smart way!

Consider Your Intentions First: Understand your intentions for wanting to accomplish each goal in the first place.

What do you want to achieve as an end product and why?

What will this project do for the organization and yourself?

If you don’t accomplish your goal or do so poorly, how will it the results affect you? Career, life plans, self esteem, and job satisfaction-wise?

Make Specific Goals: It is important to make clear goals as you don’t’ want to invite confusion or possible excuse making. For example: Your end goal is to lose 15 lbs in 2 months, so your goal is to a gym and workout X times a week.

Would someone else be able to execute this goal if they read it?

Does my goal answer the 5 W’s: Who, What, When, Where, and Why?

Make Measurable Goals: Humans are far more likely to accomplish their goals if they know what to measure their goal and delivers results. In our gym example, this could be measured by stepping onto the scale.

How will I know when this goal has been accomplished?

How frequently will your goal be evaluated?

Make Attainable Goals: Keep in mind how likely you can accomplish them in the timeframe you have allocated. In our gym example, if you eat right and go to the gym frequently, can your body honestly lose 15lbs in 2 months if you have a slow metabolism?

Can this goal be accomplished in the timeframe allocated? If not, consider breaking down the goal into smaller pieces, if it is not.

Does your goal have an objective where you are both willing and able to achieve?

Make Relevant Goals: If you do not make relevant goals, they tend to be put on the backburner list, as you have too many other things to focus on and complete. In our gym example, maybe you want to reduce your having a heart attack and have the chance to be around for your children and lose weight to fit in an outfit for an upcoming event.

Does this goal align with the bigger picture for your organization?

Make Timed Goals: The majority of goals fail to be fulfilled because a timeframe is not specified. In our gym example, our goal is to lose 15lbs in 2 Months so we meet our goal in time for our high school reunion.

When do I want this goal to be accomplished? This year or month or week?

Is your goal tangible, where you can experience one of your senses: taste touch, smell, sight or hearing?